Sending a Package

Updates have been made to 450.120 Packages for Offenders and is the policy that outlines quarterly gift packages. Please note there have been significant changes to the quarterly gift package guidelines effective March 1, 2009.

Take the time to review the DOC Policy 440.000, Personal Property for Offenders before sending items to offenders. Personal property items purchased by family and friends are not authorized, except as allowed in a Quarterly Package. Quarterly Gift packages may include new shoes only.

Books are NOT considered property. Books are considered publications (mail) and are authorized as long as they arrive directly from any publishing company (like Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Borders, etc.) and meet the guidelines per DOC Policy 450.100, Mail for Offenders.

Mailing Quarterly Gift Package

Quarterly packages are a gift package you may send to an offender. Offenders are limited in the gift packages they may receive, according to policy. An offender may receive one gift package (not to exceed 15 pounds in weight including packing materials) on a quarterly basis. In order to send an offender a quarterly package, most institutions require that the offender send you a Quarterly Package Authorization form.

For more information on the maximum allowable personal property for religious items, men's facilities and women's facilities check the matrix.

Quarterly periods consist of December through February; March through May; June through August; and September through November.

Newly admitted offenders do not receive packages while assigned to the Reception Center at Washington Corrections Center.

Most facilities follow these guidelines, however, a few have specific instructions for sending quarterly packages.

Facility Specific Information

Airway Heights Corrections Center

Airway Heights is managed as a Right Living Community Facility. Offenders who achieve Phase 2 in this program can have shoes ordered by friends and family through Access SecurePak. Please refer to (AHCC Vendor list) for more information on approved vendors and ordering information.

Clallam Bay Corrections Center

Shoe Vendors

CD Player Vendors

Larch Corrections Center

Food items are only allowed in the Holiday Package, and those must come from the following vendors:

  • Obertos
  • Uwajimaya

McNeil Island Corrections Center

Approved Vendors

CD / Tape Vendors

Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women

MCCCW Food items are only allowed in the Holiday Package, and those must come from the following vendor:

Stafford Creek Corrections Center

Approved Vendors

Approved Vendors for repairs

  • Bryan and Son
  • J C PENNEY
  • Capitol Radio
  • Pacific Office Equipment

Washington State Penitentiary

Effective June 1, 2010 significant changes have been made to package guidelines for WSP. Friends and family, as well as offenders can now order monthly packages instead of quarterly. A catalog of pre-approved items can be seen at www.washingtonpackages.com. Once you enter the site go to the “select a facility” drop down menu at the bottom of the screen and select “Washington State Penitentiary”. The catalog is divided into three categories: The General Store; Shoes; Electronics.

Once you have selected one of the categories, you can move to another category by moving your cursor to the left in the dark box to select the other categories and “the music store”. You may order items on-line or by calling 1-800-546-6283.